J-Bay Lights Up
Wednesday 25 August 2021 A cranking 20 second southerly groundswell yesterday lit up J-Bay with flawless lines for the first day of the South African Longboarding Championships presented by RYD Brand.
POINT MADE: The ideal direction and deep-rooted energy turned J-Bay on like a scone
The event, which is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa, opened yesterday with magnificent weather and flawless conditions at Point. The world famous right-hand point-break did not disappoint, delivering nothing short of perfect, lined-up waves throughout the day.
Longboard surfers through the ages took to the waves with stylish manoeuvres. Standouts of the day included Greg Smith, a Cape St. Francis local representing the Eastern Province. With a combination of arching turns and long, steady nose rides, Smith secured an impressive 9.17 points out of a possible 10.
Western Province power couple Thomas and Tarryn King impressed in their respective divisions. Tarryn put together a near perfect heat with two excellent scores (9.17 and 8.4) and Thomas followed suit with an equally outstanding combination in the Masters division (9.67 and 8.33) and a further win in the Open Mens division.
LOCAL IS LEKKER: Alfonzo Pieters was ripping it up in the sublime conditions. Photo Mike Ruthnum
Jeffreys Bay local Coert Venter put on a spectacular show with his stylish, traditional-inspired longboard surfing, knocking World Tour surfer Jordy Smith into the elimination round. Much to the crowd’s delight, Venter spiced up his successful heat with a perfectly executed handstand, followed by a bow in response to the spectators’ cheers.
Crystal Hulett of Cape St. Francis put together a beautiful heat with well-timed turns and tidy nose-rides on the best waves, securing a spot in the Quarterfinals with ease. KwaZulu-Natal surfer Sam Christianson wrapped up the day’s proceedings with the highest heat score total of the day, putting on a spectacular, confident performance to earn him a total of 18.33 points (9.33 + 9.00).
The week ahead promises fair weather and brilliant waves. Stay tuned for updates on contest action. A well-equipped contest site, experienced staff and strict enforcement of Covid regulations set the stage for a successful first day of the event.